Photo courtesy of HIDIVE. ©MOVIC • Aniplex. All Rights Reserved.
Horror Cult Classic Will Have Streaming Debut Across Both HIDIVE and Shudder Later this Year
Source: HIDIVE press release
Official Site: https://mailchi.mp/iconicreleasing/ax-cinema-nights-interest
Special Thanks to Scott Barretto (AMCN Entertainment Group)
Photo courtesy of HIDIVE. ©MOVIC • Aniplex. All Rights Reserved.
AMC Networks’ streamers HIDIVE and Shudder will partner with Iconic Events Releasing to bring the 40th anniversary re-release of VAMPIRE HUNTER D (吸血鬼ハンターD, Kyūketsuki Hantā Dī, 1985) to U.S. and Canadian theaters this spring on April 9, 10 & 13 as part of AX Cinema Nights’ 2024/2025 Season. This Japanese cult classic film will then make its streaming debut on both platforms later this year. A seminal work in horror anime film released in 1985, VAMPIRE HUNTER D is the OVA (“original video animation”) adaptation directed by Toyoo Ashida and based on the best-selling novel series by Hideyuki Kikuchi. As part of today’s announcement, HIDIVE unveiled the special 40th anniversary VAMPIRE HUNTER D key art and theatrical trailer created for the film’s re-release.
“In 1985, VAMPIRE HUNTER D cemented its place in cinematic history as a truly genre-defining work of horror,” said John Ledford, President of HIDIVE. “We’re thrilled to celebrate the 40th anniversary of VAMPIRE HUNTER D and partner with both Shudder and Iconic Events Releasing to bring this seminal film to both horror and anime fans across the U.S. and Canada.”
“We’re thrilled to be part of a collaboration that will bring Vampire Hunter D, a cult classic genre film, to both theatrical and streaming audiences as part of Iconic’s popular AX Cinema Nights lineup,” said Scott Shooman, Head of AMC Networks’ Film Group. “It’s also a great example of the synergy and strength of our brands, as Shudder and HIDIVE partner on a streaming debut that will share this pivotal film with two of the most passionate fanbases in horror and anime.”
“When it was first released, VAMPIRE HUNTER D was a stunning landmark in Japanese anime, set in a world of post-apocalyptic horror and fantasy where vampires roam," said Steven Menkin, President & Co-founder of Iconic Events Releasing. "Now 40 years later, fans of all ages can experience one of the true all-time classic anime on the big screen. Iconic is proud to partner with HIDIVE and Shudder on these special screenings.”
HIDIVE and Shudder will present a digitally remastered version of the original VAMPIRE HUNTER D OVA that was produced by Sentai Filmworks in 2015. VAMPIRE HUNTER D is the final film joining AX Cinema Nights’ previously announced line-up and will close-out the film series’ 2024/2025 Season. Iconic Events Releasing will screen the movie in both Japanese with English subtitles and English dub at over 500 North American cinemas on April 9 (English sub), 10 (English dub) & 13 (encore dub screening).
Advance tickets for VAMPIRE HUNTER D are available for purchase now at ax-cinemanights.com and participating theater box offices.
Photo courtesy of HIDIVE. ©MOVIC • Aniplex. All Rights Reserved.
VAMPIRE HUNTER D
Original Language: Japanese
Runtime: 80 min
Original Work: Based on the novel Vampire Hunter D by Hideyuki Kikuchi (Published by Asahi Sonorama)
Director: Toyoo Ashida
Screenplay: Yasushi Hirano
Character Design: Yoshitaka Amano
Animation Character Design: Noriyasu Yamauchi, Indori-goya
Production Design: Satoshi Matsudaira
Animation Director: Hiromi Matsushita
Director of Photography: Kazushi Torikoshi, Yukio Sugiyama
Music: Tetsuya Komuro
Executive Producer: Shigeo Maruyama, Yutaka Takahashi
Producer: Mitsuhisa Koeda, Hiroshi Kato, Yukio Nagasaki
Animation Production: Toshihiko Sato, Ashi Productions CO., LTD.
Japanese Voice Cast: Kaneto Shiozawa, Michie Tomizawa, Keiko Toda, Seizo Kato, Satoko Kito, Kazuyasu Sogabe, Ichiro Nagai
Theme Song: “YOUR SONG”
Written by: Tetsuya Komuro, Naoto Kine
Lyrics by: Tetsuya Komuro
Arrangement by: Tetsuya Komuro, TM NETWORK
Official Synopsis
In the year 12,090 A.D. technology and the supernatural have overtaken the world, leaving the land desolate and despotic. The remnants of humanity are scattered into small communities and live in fear of vampires who compose the ruling Nobility. When Count Magnus Lee tastes the blood of Doris Lang, she is forcibly chosen to be his next wife. In an effort to escape her ill-gotten fate she hires a mysterious vampire hunter known only as D, who comes from a peculiar lineage.
Photo courtesy of HIDIVE. ©MOVIC • Aniplex. All Rights Reserved.
About HIDIVE
HIDIVE is a fast-growing, fan-centric anime service and part of AMC Networks’ targeted streaming portfolio. From English subs and dubs to episodic series, movies and more, HIDIVE delivers a full-tilt, genre-spanning anime experience with blockbusters, classics and underrated masterpieces by Japan’s leading and emerging producers. Each season, subscribers have exclusive access to first-run simulcasts of the best new anime at or near the same time as their Japanese broadcast. HIDIVE can be viewed on a wide array of platforms, including desktop, laptop, tablet, smartphone and connected TV, and is currently available by subscription in the U.S. and Canada as well as key overseas markets including the U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. For more information on HIDIVE or to sign up for a free trial, visit www.hidive.com.
About Shudder
AMC Networks’ Shudder stands as the leading curatorial voice and cultural destination for genre entertainment, delivering an unparalleled selection of horror, thrillers, and the supernatural. With an ever-expanding library of films, TV series, and exclusive Originals, Shudder is accessible across most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
Shudder has redefined genre streaming with a slate of groundbreaking and critically acclaimed titles, including Rob Savage’s HOST, Jayro Bustamante’s Golden Globe-nominated LA LLORONA, Phil Tippett’s MAD GOD, Kyle Edward Ball’s SKINAMARINK, Christian Tafdrup’s SPEAK NO EVIL, Chloe Okuno’s WATCHER, Demián Rugna’s WHEN EVIL LURKS, Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala’s THE DEVIL’S BATH, Chris Nash’s IN A VIOLENT NATURE, Sébastien Vaniček’s INFESTED, Colin and Cameron Cairnes’ LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL, Damian McCarthy’s ODDIT, Robert Morgan’s STOPMOTION and the latest installment in the V/H/S franchise. Shudder also boasts fan-favorite series such as the Emmy Award-nominated THE BOULET BROTHERS’ DRAGULA, Greg Nicotero’s CREEPSHOW, THE LAST DRIVE-IN WITH JOE BOB BRIGGS and Mark Duplass’s THE CREEP TAPES, among others.
About Iconic Events Releasing
Iconic Events Releasing is reinventing event cinema - focusing on bringing fans closer to the content that they love. Offering a variety of one-of-a-kind live and captured entertainment events in movie theaters nationwide, Iconic Events Releasing creates unique experiences by taking audiences behind the scenes and offering intriguing extras, audience Q&As, backstage footage, and interviews with cast and crew creating the ultimate VIP experience. Theatrical releases range from live sports (UFC Live) to classic anime (AX Cinema Nights) to music (David Bryne, David Bowie), documentaries (The Lost Weekend), horror films (Terrifier Franchise), and faith-focused features (God of Heaven and Earth). The Iconic Events Releasing’s team is comprised of industry experts with over 80+ years of content acquisition, distribution and marketing, publicity, and sponsorship experience. To learn more visit www.iconicreleasing.com.